U18S MATCH REPORT: BLACKBURN ROVERS 2-2 BURNLEY

Main Club Sponsor

TICKETS

SHOP

Points shared in East Lancashire derby

2025-08-24T11:08:00.756Z

U18S MATCH REPORT: BLACKBURN ROVERS 2-2 BURNLEY

Points shared in East Lancashire derby

2025-08-24T11:08:00.756Z

Points shared in East Lancashire derby

A dramatic ending saw Blackburn Rovers U18s score two late goals to earn a point against Burnley U18s on Saturday afternoon.

The young Clarets took a two-goal lead thanks to Luca Scanlon and Brandon Pouani, and despite a fantastic late penalty save from Connor Edwards, Tony Philliskirk’s side were unable to hold onto a second straight U18 Premier League victory to start the season.

It was an unchanged starting XI following last weekend’s 2-0 win over Sunderland, with centre-back Corey King retaining the captain’s armband.

Dylan Morison and Fabio So held the fort in central midfield, with striker Braidin Derbyshire being flanked by Pouani and Warren Taylor.

U18S MATCH REPORT: BLACKBURN ROVERS 2-2 BURNLEY - Image 1

An intense start saw both sides compete well at Brockhall, with the young Clarets pressing well in their shape.

Scanlon was the first player to work Rovers ‘keeper Blake Wolsoncroft after 20 minutes and So later shot narrowly wide of the right-hand post.

The home side had chances too and after Michael Decandia headed a corner wide, Edwards produced a flying save high to his right to thwart Levi Ball.

Taylor had arguably the best chance of the first half in stoppage time but after a smart pass from Morison, the winger could only fire over from eight yards.

The game kicked into life after the break and Scanlon broke the deadlock in the 50th minute, picking out the top right corner from a 22-yard free-kick.

George Brierley replaced Taylor on the hour, but Blackburn started to gain a foothold with substitute Valentin Joseph forcing another Edwards save before Decandia headed a corner wide.

U18S MATCH REPORT: BLACKBURN ROVERS 2-2 BURNLEY - Image 2

However, it was 2-0 when Brierley fed Pouani in the 72nd minute. After a good dose of step overs, the winger had his first shot saved before squeezing the rebound in at the near post.

Pouani made way for Vishon Masara and James Lewis replaced Scanlon either side of Blackburn’s first goal, which Joseph scored from close range in the 86th minute.

The hosts had a golden opportunity to restore parity three minutes into added time at the end of the 90, with Croyde Da Costa being penalised for a handball in the area. Edwards had other ideas, though, and produced a smart save to his right.

There was still time for more drama. Firstly, King and Wolsoncroft were sent off for their roles in a mass confrontation in which two other players were also booked.

Joseph then scrambled home a 97th-minute equaliser from a free-kick swung into the area, with the referee blowing the final whistle during their celebrations.

Philliskirk’s side are 4th in the 14-team North section table with four points from a possible six ahead of the visit of Liverpool next weekend.

Burnley: Edwards, Da Costa, Wilcock, King, Murtesa, Morison, Taylor (Brierley 60), So, Derbyshire, Scanlon (Lewis 88), Pouani (Masara 85)

Unused Substitutes: Grimshaw, Okonkwo

Blackburn Rovers: Wolsoncroft, Wilkinson, Pates, Eze, Decandia, Ball, Sergeant (Odogun 84), Potter (Lister 69), Cryer, Leatherbarrow, McCoy (Joseph 54)

Unused Substitutes: Thompson, McIlroy

Goals: Scanlon 50’, Pouani 73', Joseph 86’, 90+7’